Media releases

A new generation of Gippsland-trained allied health professionals have commenced their studies at Federation University Australia’s Gippsland campus. 

Orientation Week (O Week) got underway at Federation University last week with more than 470 new students beginning their studies at the university’s Gippsland campus. 

O Week gives students the opportunity to find out more about life at university, support services and their studies. To help with the transition, new students are also allocated a mentor from their study area. 

Among the students enjoying O Week activities was the first cohort of students to study the university’s new occupational therapy bachelor degree. 

Twenty-two students have enrolled in the new allied health program, including a mix of school-leavers and mature-age students. 

The occupational therapy degree was launched in response to the increasing local demand for allied health workers in Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley. 

The course will place a special focus on occupational therapy in rural and remote settings and students will undertake more than 1,000 hours of work placement in local hospitals, clinics, community health services, aged care facilities and vocational rehabilitation centres.  

Three new lecturers will deliver the occupational therapy program, with a fourth to start later in the semester. They bring a combination of clinical and academic experience to their new roles. 

To support the delivery of the occupational therapy program, $5 million has been set aside to develop specialist allied health laboratories and teaching spaces at the Gippsland campus. 

Construction is due to commence in July, with works expected to be completed in January 2021.  

Quotes attributable to Gippsland Head of Campus Ms Leigh Kennedy 

“We are excited to welcome our new students to the campus as they take the next step in their career pathway.” 

“It’s great to be able to offer courses like the new occupational therapy degree that align with the needs of the Gippsland workforce.”  

Quotes attributable to occupational therapy student Jessica Alexander 

“As an allied health assistant, I’ve been wanting to take the next step in my career for a while, so when the Gippsland course became available, applying was a no-brainer.” 

“Studying locally will allow me to stay close to my family in the place I want to live. The rural focus of the course is perfect for me.”